Named for its English counterpart Norfolk County in Massachusetts holds a special place in American history. Norfolk County was created in 1793. It was named after Norfolk in England. Dedham serves as its county seat. Dedham is home to the Jonathan Fairbanks House. It was built in 1636. The Jonathan Fairbanks House is one of the nation’s oldest homes.
Norfolk County boasts a rich history. It includes the homes of presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams in Quincy. You can also find the homes of President John F. Kennedy and Frederick Law Olmsted in Brookline. Norfolk County has earned the nickname “County of Presidents”. This is due to being the birthplace of four U.S. presidents. They are John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy, and George H. W. Bush.
Before European settlers arrived the Massachusetts Indians lived here. Weymouth was one of the state’s first settlements established in 1622.
Originally Norfolk County included towns that later became part of other counties. Hingham and Hull were initially part of Norfolk County. They later joined Plymouth County. This made Cohasset an exclave. Brookline became another exclave. This happened when West Roxbury was annexed by Boston. Brookline chose not to be annexed.
Norfolk County has evolved over time. Its regional government functions are performed directly by the county. Other services are state government programs within the county area. Some departments like the District Attorney’s office are supervised by elected officials.
The County Commissioners hold executive authority. They are elected county-wide for four-year terms. The Advisory Board acts as the legislative branch. It represents cities and towns in budget and planning matters.
Norfolk County’s economy is diverse. It includes wholesale trade and manufacturing. Communications equipment and measuring devices are key products.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has a long history. It was first located in registrar Eliphalet Pond’s home. A sign on a tree marked its location. It later moved to the Norfolk County Courthouse. In 1905 a new building was built for the Registry of Deeds.
The Norfolk County Courthouse has been rebuilt several times. The first courthouse was too small. Charles Bulfinch designed a turret. Paul Revere cast a bell for it. A new courthouse was dedicated in 1827. Solomon Willard designed it. It had Greek-temple porticoes. Paul Revere’s bell was moved to the new courthouse.
The Norfolk County Jail also has a storied past. The first jail was next to Gay’s Tavern. A new stone jail was built in 1817. It was replaced by the Norfolk County Correctional Center in 1992.
Norfolk County covers 444 square miles. 396 square miles are land. 48 square miles are water.
As you explore Norfolk County remember its history and contributions. It has shaped Massachusetts and the United States.